Doug Burgum, the current Interior Secretary and former Governor of North Dakota, may not be a household name like many of President Trump’s cabinet members, yet he often surfaces on networks like Fox News to advocate for the administration’s policies.
Recently, Burgum appeared on Fox News to discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and energy consumption linked to data centers, declaring that skepticism about AI is unwarranted and suggesting it could “cure cancer.”
Data Centers and Energy Costs
During the show, the Fox & Friends team questioned Burgum about the increasing energy costs attributed to the proliferation of data centers in the U.S., a concern frequently highlighted by reputable sources such as Bloomberg, CNBC, and Pew Research. Bloomberg reports significant hikes in electricity costs—up to 267% in some regions compared to five years ago. Burgum dismissed these claims as “100% false.”
He pointed out that states like Hawaii and Maine, which have high electricity prices but limited data center activity, should be considered when discussing the impacts of data centers on local energy costs. “This is the first time in history we’ve converted a kilowatt of electricity into intelligence,” he proclaimed.
The AI Miracle
Burgum labeled the conversion of electricity into intelligence as “the miracle of AI,” insisting that businesses investing billions in AI infrastructure would avoid high-cost areas. He likened the current AI revolution to the expansion of railroads in the 19th century, emphasizing that the U.S. must remain competitive against nations like China.
Burgum credited President Trump for his vision to support such endeavors and criticized renewable energy initiatives, calling them the “green new scam.” While it’s true that energy prices are higher in some blue states, attributing this solely to renewable energy does not paint the full picture. Using Hawaii as an example of high energy costs while dismissing its unique geographical factors lacks nuance.
Energy Prices and Political Landscapes
Consider West Virginia, a traditionally red state, where 70% of voters backed Trump in the 2024 elections. Despite its conservative leanings, the state’s energy costs have surged by 10.3% since 2018, with fewer than 5% of its energy sourced from renewables according to the New York Times.
Burgum’s argument fails to acknowledge that residents are concerned not just about where data centers are located, but rather how their presence is driving up energy costs. A think tank, Energy Innovation, warns that states like Kentucky and South Carolina could face the largest household energy cost increases over the next decade due to the shift from renewable tax credits to fossil fuels.
AI’s Promises and Pitfalls
During his TV appearance, Burgum was challenged by host Ainsley Earhardt about an upcoming vote in Chandler, Arizona, regarding a proposed data center. She stated, “If we want to win the AI race against China, we have to build these data centers.” Despite these rosy predictions about AI, concerns about rising energy costs and its actual impact remain unresolved.
Burgum, who faced criticism during his governorship for his ties to the oil lobby, has ramped up oil production discussions at the Interior Department. His claims that AI could cure cancer and eliminate repetitive jobs paint an optimistic picture, yet such assertions are often scrutinized. To hear a tech entrepreneur endorse these claims is striking, especially when he himself built his fortune from a software company, Great Plains Software, sold to Microsoft.
The Role of the Government
As public interest in AI and energy surges, the necessity for balanced discourse is critical. Recent government actions, including the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, have raised ethical questions about energy price management. Although officials state the events were executed within legal protocols, the implications for pricing and accessibility in the U.S. have yet to be comprehensively assessed.
Is AI really capable of radically enhancing productivity across all sectors? While many experts contest such claims, the conversation is vital as companies increasingly integrate AI to drive profit margins. Is a universal cure for all types of cancer feasible? Experts broadly agree that this notion lacks scientific credibility.
So, what does this mean for consumers and their bills? With rising costs in energy and living expenses, the future remains uncertain. It’s essential for individuals to stay informed and critically evaluate the technology shaping their lives.
Want to dive deeper into the intersection of technology and energy policy? There’s more to explore. Check out Moyens I/O for a wide array of insightful content.